My Broken Heart
After explaining the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans in my previous #FitnessFriday blog post, I felt it appropriate to now go into greater detail about how today’s population measures up to these standards. As of 2013, there were 20 states with less than half of their populations achieving the recommended amount of aerobic activity per week (150 minutes moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes vigorous-intensity aerobic activity).
On the bright side, this means that a majority of states (30) did have at least half of their populations reaching this target. But is 50-55% of a state’s population reaching this goal really something to celebrate? I’m usually one to look at the glass half-full, but I find this to be a bit disheartening…
Percentages for strength training were much more dismal. Such a dagger to the heart! Only 13 states recorded a percentage of their population JUST 32 OR GREATER participating in muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week. DOES NO ONE LIKE TO HAVE FUN THESE DAYS?!
As if these numbers weren’t already bad enough, they take an even steeper decline when you look at the percentage of each state’s population meeting the recommended amounts of aerobic AND muscle-strengthening activity each week. Only 11 states were able to record a percentage of 23 or higher. The rest were below a simple 23%. Cue the tears.
While I know I can’t bring all these percentages to 100% on my own, I do feel a sense of responsibility to do everything in my power to raise them as much as possible! Along with my fellow fitness fanatics, I know that we can make a difference in America’s health forecast by motivating people to meet these Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (at a minimum 😊).
If you are ready to join me in taking personal responsibility for increasing these numbers by adding yourself to the headcount, contact me today about a personalized workout program designed to help you meet your specific goals!
